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NAVP’s Commitment to CPD in 2024 NAVP is committed to offering our members a new and improved CPD package in 2024. We are determined to provide regular, high quality CPD and be the go-to organisation for veterinary physiotherapy professionals to feel supported. Through our CPD events, we give our members access to experts in their field to learn best practice and improve their all-round knowledge. Steered by our CPD Team of Sarah Keith and Matt Scott, we have developed a programme for 2024 which we feel will benefit members hugely. Matt graduated in 2017 with the undergraduate BSc Honours in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Harper Adams. He now runs the Vet Physiotherapy Service at the Queens Veterinary Hospital as part of the University of Cambridge. The exciting line up of CPD events begin in February. CPD Event: Chronic Pain Medications for Physiotherapists  Date: Wednesday 21st February 7pm Overview: This Webinar will be delivered by Matt Guerney, who is a specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia. Matt trained at the University of Liverpool and now works in the anaesthesia team at Eastcott Referrals. Matt is a former president of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia and a Co-Founder of The Zero Pain Philosophy, a leading veterinary education site for acute and chronic pain in cats and dogs. In 2020 Matt was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice. The lecture will focus on chronic pain management in small animals and the next line of defence from a medication point of view when NSAIDs are not sufficient. The webinar will include case studies to demonstrate how physiotherapy and pain management works hand in hand to improve comfort and quality of life. How to book: https://buytickets.at/navp/1157791 CPD Event: Equine Taping and Fascia Physiotherapy Course  Dates: 22nd, 23rd, 24th April 2024 Overview: Aimed at MSK professionals or final year students looking to boost skills, this course is delivered by Dr Solange Mikail. Dr Mikail is a veterinarian, animal physiotherapist and teacher of kinesiology taping and fascia therapy in horses and dogs. A Diplomate of the American College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Equine), she led the Equine Physiotherapist team at the last Olympic Games. Over three days, the course will dive into the fascinating world of fascia therapy methods and equine kinesiology taping, offering practical insights and hands-on expertise. How to book: To book, email [email protected]. Ticket prices: - NAVP Members £395 - non-members £475 including all course materials, £75 extra to purchase the Wave fascial tool for use on the course (recommended) at a 25% discount. CPD Event: Supplements, Friend or Foe? Date: 16th October 2024 at 7pm
Overview: This Webinar will be delivered by Hanah Capon, a specialist in chronic pain management, geriatrics and musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation. Hannah is a former Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award winner and was the 2019 CEVA Vet of the Year. She is the founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) an online platform which helps owners identify arthritis in dogs, offering advice and tools for managing the condition. Supplements is a huge topic when we discuss managing arthritic patients, so the lecture will focus on the evidence or lack thereof of the benefits of their use. Hannah will discuss the current evidence we have for the use of supplements and the best way to communicate issues around the use of supplements to clients. How to book: https://buytickets.at/navp/1164972 We will continue to update the NAVP website with information on upcoming NAVP events.
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 NAVP have been working hard to deliver a new and improved membership for 2024. We are determined to offer our members a wider range of benefits in order to achieve our overall aim of raising professional standards in veterinary physiotherapy and animal welfare. We have been working with our current members and have undertaken market research to establish how we can improve the membership offering. As a result of these discussions, we are delighted to confirm some new benefits of being an NAVP Member. New President Lorna Brokenshire-Dyke has taken on the role of president and will be the perfect ambassador for our association. As a vet and veterinary physiotherapist, Lorna is ideally placed to represent NAVP in the industry and shares our vision of high standards of care and professionalism. In 2024, we plan to develop communication and fill the knowledge gaps within the veterinary industry. Legal Support Some feedback from our members was that they would welcome legal support. We have listened to that feedback and have enlisted a legal company to offer advice. They have also drawn up a full set of terms and conditions for our members to use. New and Improved CPD We have enhanced our CPD offering in 2024 to ensure the programme is diverse and appealing to all of our members. Our market research showed that there is a requirement for more content and CPD centred around small animal members. We have added small animal expertise to the NAVP Exec Team and have started to produce small animal content in CPD, Mentorship Mondays and information on Facebook. Mentorship Mondays Mentorship Mondays allow members to discuss challenging cases with experienced professionals to gather knowledge and advice. It’s also an opportunity to share best practice as well as learn new methods. Mentorship Mondays are completely free for our members. Clearer Communication Improving communication is one of our big priorities in 2024. We continue to deliver our quarterly newsletter and we have employed a marketing agency to produce high-quality video content which is relevant to our members. You will begin to see some of this content populating our Facebook page in the coming weeks. We will also be implementing a marketing strategy to target the public and the veterinary industry. We have implemented Mailchimp to help with the delivery of emails as a result of member’s feedback. Now that we have this in place we plan to send regular emails with mini updates to keep you informed. In 2023 we set up the members only Facebook group, which has greatly improved two-way communication. We are considering how we can also set up face to face meetups to build our community. In 2024 we will be looking at how we can improve the website, particularly the directory so that it will be easier for the public and vets to find members.  Online renewals
We appreciate that your time is valuable, so we have tried to streamline the renewals process to make it easier. We had some initial feedback about the process and have already made amendments to improve it further and offer online renewals. In 2024 we plan to add the CPD Activity sheet if possible. Joining online Joining NAVP is now available online making it easy for new members to find, apply and share. In 2024 we are looking to increase membership. Moving applications online helps with back-office processing, freeing up valuable time for us to focus on other tasks that will benefit our members. Industry representation We continue to represent our members in the wider industry with regular meetings with other related organisations. We aim to act on the feedback from our members and push for change where and when required. Education In 2024 we plan to improve placement provider education. We continuously give feedback to education providers on the quality of the courses they provide. Reinvesting in NAVP We listened to the feedback from members in 2022 and 2023 and have reinvested funds back into the association to bring it up to date with technology, security and ability to deliver the services we would like to provide. We have an executive team who are motivated, passionate and proactive about delivering a better service to our members.  Side bone is a common problem however many horse owners are unaware their horse has it. It is a condition where the foot cartilage tissue ossifies and causes bony protrusions in the foot to develop. There are several causes of this condition such as improper shoeing or trauma to the foot which results in poor movement. The good news is that the prognosis for sidebone is generally good provided it is managed correctly and it is important that horse owners are aware of this condition and know what signs to look for. Here is our guide to sidebone in horses.
What is Sidebone? Around the horse’s pastern, above the coronary band, there is the lateral cartilage. This is firm yet flexible tissue that helps support the hoof wall and helps to cushion the heel when it is bearing weight. Sidebone occurs when this cartilage starts to turn to bone- becoming hard and inflexible. What are the causes of sidebone? It is most commonly, but not exclusively, seen in the heavier built horse, and is caused by concussion to the feet – hard ground in the summer or trotting on the road. Another cause may be improper trimming or shoeing of the hoof. This repetitive motion injury over time can cause cartilage damage and lead to side bone. Sidebone is more likely to affect the forelimbs as opposed to the hindlimbs and can affect both sides of the feet. Which horses are affected by side bone? Whilst Sidebone can occur in all horses there are some which are more likely to develop the condition including:
How is sidebone diagnosed? Sidebone will be diagnosed by vets on X-ray, sometimes when investigating another problem. Whilst the sidebone is developing the forelimb stride will shorten. If lameness does occur, it is often seen when working on a circle as opposed to a straight line. Once the sidebone has formed it is not so painful for the horse, but it is important to realise that the normal function of the foot has changed, and that supportive shoeing/trimming and work management is essential. Can side bone be prevented? The best form of prevention for side bone is to ensure correct shoeing and trimming of the hoof to ensure that movement is maximised. With the heavier breeds which are being used for all round riding – schooling, hacking and jumping – be aware of the ground conditions and if the ground is hard, it may be an idea in the short term to change your work plans. What is the treatment for sidebone? Rest is the key when it comes to treatment as it provides time for the inflammation to be reduced. This process can take months and during this time anti-inflammatories will often be administered during the recovery period. Whilst sidebone rarely causes noticeable lameness, the horse will be sore during the inflammatory phase and performance will be affected.  Ringbone is an arthritic lameness condition that can affect the coffin and pastern joints in horses. Unfortunately, this condition is degenerative continuing to worsen over time. However, the correct treatment can help slow the progression of the condition. Here is our guide to ringbone in horses.
Different types of ringbone Ringbone is caused by the affected joint becoming enlargement. There are different types of the condition- low and high. Low ringbone affects the coffin joint while high ringbone affects the pastern joint. It is the latter that is more common. The growth of additional bone leads to the gradual breakdown of the joint surface. The condition can also be characterised by the area of the joint that the condition is affecting. Articular ringbone affects the lining and cartilage or the joint whereas the periarticular ringbone affects the soft tissues near the joint such as the ligaments. Both types cause inflammation around the joint and can be a painful and debilitating condition. What causes ringbone in horses? Bone growths occur over time on either the coffin or pastern joints and this leads to the condition known as ringbone. Similar to arthritis, symptoms tend to start occurring when the horse has reached middle aged. Horses with upright or toed in pastern joints are at higher risk of developing the condition. This is the same for horses that undergo repetitive stress in the pastern joint areas such as horses that show jump, race, or are used for polo. Ringbone can also develop if the horse suffers an acute trauma or injury in this area. How is ringbone diagnosed? Ringbone tends to occur in horses that are around 15 years old. An initial symptom is often sporadic lameness or a change in their gait. The horse may also be in pain due to the inflamed tissue around the joint being inflamed. To begin with, the tissue may be soft but over time the area will become cool and firm. If you notice these symptoms in your horse, it is imperative that an equine veterinarian is contacted. They will be able to look at the horse’s medical history along with carrying out x-rays on the joint and a lameness examination. How is ringbone treated? Whilst ringbone is a painful condition, it is one that can be controlled by a combination of the following: Rest Ringbone can become worse and more painful if the horse continues to move and work at the same pace it did before the condition started. Weight management The condition may be more painful for those horses who are overweight. The added weight can cause additional stress to the affected joint. Medications The medications prescribed will heavily depend on the severity of the condition and how long the horse has been suffering from it. Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections may also be administered. Joint supplements may also help some horses but should only be taken on the advice of an equine veterinarian. Adjusting their shoes Good showing or adjusting the shoes can sometimes reduce the pain. Whilst poor shoeing is not the cause of the condition it can help worsen the symptoms and cause more pain. Surgery In certain cases, surgery may be suggested. This tends to happen if the ringbone is affecting the pastern joint as this joint can be immobilised to help reduce the pain caused by the breaking down of the joint. While ringbone in horses is unfortunately a progressive condition that is irreversible, there are a number of treatments available that can help with the management of the condition and the combined effort of the owner, farrier, and veterinarian, ensuring that the horse remains as comfortable as possible. Fortunately, nowadays there are more options available to horses with this condition and if it is caught in its early stages, the horse could stay sound for several years.  Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is a common condition in horses where the muscles become painful and cramp up, usually connected with physical activity. In this article we will discuss equine exertional rhabdomyolysis in more detail, describe the symptoms, discuss the causes and explain the treatment options available. What is Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis? Painful cramping and muscle tightness after exercise is due to the fact that the muscles are effectively dissolving. The condition can be chronic and recurring (RER) or sporadic in nature depending on the individual horse and can severely impact the horse’s performance. If the horse is a racehorse, this condition can damage their career. Whilst sporadic ER is typically preventable with some changes to the horse’s lifestyle, chronic ER can affect certain breeds more and can potentially be due to an inherited condition. What are the symptoms of Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis? Whilst these symptoms do not necessarily mean the horse has ER, it is important that the horse is seen by a veterinarian to rule this out. Common symptoms for ER include:
Known causes of Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis? There are several known causes for equine ER. However, it is important to note that these causes can vary depending on the type of ER. There is also ongoing research to discover more about the causes of the condition. Sporadic ER causes include:
Chronic ER causes include:
What is the diagnosis for Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis? As mentioned earlier, if the horse is suffering from any of the symptoms discussed, it is important to have an equine veterinarian undertake an examination. If ER is suspected, they will conduct a complete physical examination followed by taking blood samples. They may also undertake a muscle biopsy to examine the muscle fibres. Together with the blood sample analysis, the activity in the horse’s muscles can be determined. If it is sporadic ER, genetic testing is usually not required. However, genetic testing may be an option if chronic ER is suspected. Treatment of Equine Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in Horses The positive news is that there are currently several different treatment options available. Again, this will vary depending on whether the horse has sporadic or chronic ER. The treatment methods include: Pain medications Tranquilisers such as detomidine, xylazine or acepromazine may be prescribed to help with sedation for those horses severely suffering from pain. Other medications may also be prescribed such as anti-inflammatory medications or steroids to help address pain and discomfort. Muscle Relaxers Muscle relaxers such as methocarbamol or Dantrium may be given to the horse to help reduce the contraction and tightening of the muscles. It is important that the dosage is adapted to your horse by the equine veterinarian. IV Fluids To prevent dehydration and help rehydrate the horse, IV fluids may be used to restore electrolytes and provide the hydration that the horse’s muscles need to recover. Whilst ER can be an extremely painful and uncomfortable condition for horses, there are treatments available to help reduce discomfort. However, it is imperative that horses suffering from symptoms of ER are seen by an equine professional as soon as possible. It needs to be determined whether the horse is suffering from sporadic or chronic ER as this will not only help determine the cause, but it will also heavily influence the best course of treatment available.  Just like humans, it has been proven that animals can benefit from massage therapy. Not only can it effectively be used for animals like dogs and horses who partake in sporting events, both before and after the events, it can help animals throughout all stages of their lives.
However, it is imperative that animals are massaged by professionals. Working knowledge of the digestive, cardiovascular, muscular and nervous systems are vital and as animals are more sensitive to humans, all massage therapy courses need to be carried out by a trained specialist who is able to create a bespoke treatment for that individual animal. In this article, we discuss further what the benefits of animal massage are and why it is important it is carried out by a professional. Introduction to Animal massageThere has been evidence of human massage since 200BC in places such as China and Ancient Egypt. Different massage techniques for soft tissue became more mainstream in the early 19th century in Sweden. Over time, it is proven that massage could help people relax, reduce stress, heal injuries, and relieve pain. Once these benefits in humans were established, massage was explored as a treatment option for animals as well - realising that it could be a valuable form of rehabilitation. A combination of massage and stretching techniques can be used to help animals to perform to their full potential if they race or perform, as well as make the animal more comfortable and improve their overall mobility. What are the benefits of animal massage?The benefits of animal massage are similar to those for humans and include the following:
Equine Massage Another animal group that can benefit from animal therapy are horses. Manipulating soft body tissues, muscles and ligaments in horses is a great way to enhance well being. Horses are competitive and hard working animals and therefore are susceptible to a range of painful conditions which can benefit from massage. For many horses, massage is used regularly alongside prescribed exercises and stretches in order to achieve the best long term results. Why it is important for animal massage to be carried out by a professional As we mentioned before, a thorough knowledge of the different systems (muscular, nervous, respiratory etc.) is vital to provide animal massages that are suitable for that particular animal. Each animal is different and some may not have a tolerance for strong scents, extreme hear or particular ointments used in the treatment, especially compared to the tolerance of humans. It is also important to note that as the animal patients are not able to speak in response of whether the pressure is ok and what the specific issues are, the professional will need to be able use extensive gait analysis, analyse how the animals are standing and observing their movements. Each species of animal will have their own correct movements and it can even vary from breed to breed. For example dogs have a fast, short stride when walking and then extend their entire body when they run in order to cover more ground at a quicker rate. However horses act differently. For example, horses tend to get up using their front legs first and understanding the typical behaviour of different species means the professional can quickly spot the issue areas that massage will need to concentrate on. Whilst there are a myriad of benefits of animal massage, there are some risks that can occur and is a major reason why a veterinary professional specialising in animal massage should undertake the treatment. For example, some animals may be experiencing low blood pressure and massages can lower this further to be point that the animal could be at risk. Animals who are suffering from certain infections or conditions such as ringworm, open wounds or cancer should also avoid massages. Combining massage with other treatmentsAnother reason why it is important that animal massage is carried out by a professional is because massage therapy can work well when used alongside other forms of treatment, such as pain relief and medication. Having a professional administering both forms of treatment can be beneficial and ensures they understand the needs of the patient and are with them throughout the treatment journey. The massage therapist is responsible for locating the pain but also referring to previous treatments and any surgery that has been undertaken in order to measure the success of the treatment. Having someone who is professionally trained, makes this task easier. Getting started with animal massage Whilst massage is now an established and popular form of treatment for animals, it is still important that owners consult their veterinary professional before starting the treatment. Not only will they be able to ensure the animal does not have an underlying condition that could be aggravated by massage. They will also be in the best position to recommend someone who specialises in that field and have the correct accreditations, qualifications and insurance - providing owners peace of mind that their animal is being treated by the best.  Laminitis is a condition that affects the feet of horses and donkeys. This can be an extremely painful condition for an animal to endure and is considered a medical emergency. This is why equine owners need to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available. We will be explaining all of this in more detail in our guide to laminitis.
What is laminitis? Let’s start by explaining exactly what the condition is. Laminitis occurs when the laminae - the underlying sensitive inner layer of the hoof wall - starts to become inflamed. The laminae connect the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the hoof and this inflammation results in the breakdown of the pedal bone. This bone is the main bone in the hoof and therefore extremely important. The laminae’s purpose is to support the weight of the pedal bone and therefore the weight of the animal. Therefore, in some cases, the sinking can be so extreme, that the pedal bone can come out of the bottom of the hoof. What are the signs of laminitis? Due to the severity of the condition, it is important for owners to understand the signs of the condition, so that they can contact their equine veterinarian as soon as the first signs are spotted. Signs of laminitis include the following:
There are several known causes of the condition which are:
If any of the symptoms we discussed earlier are spotted, the owner must get in touch with their vet immediately. The vet will use the symptoms as well as a study of the horse’s medical history to help determine whether laminitis is present. Radiographs can also be used to assess how much the pedal bone has rotated and sunk to determine the severity of the condition. What is the treatment for laminitis? Several forms of treatment may be prescribed by the vet. These include:
Can laminitis be prevented? The chance of laminitis can be reduced by doing the following:
 Gait analysis is an important tool used by veterinarians, farriers, and other equine professionals in order to quantify the horse’s movement and spot any asymmetries which could cause problems affecting performance or increased risk of injury later down the line. This article highlights in more detail the importance of equine gait analysis.
Why is equine gait analysis important? The horse’s movements can be quantified and analysed through the use of small sensors (IMUs- inertial measurement units). This enables people to successfully identify and monitor movement asymmetries - even small ones that wouldn't normally be visible or detectable by the human eye. Whilst horses are generally asymmetric, it is vital that the movement asymmetries are understood to spot any unusual movement asymmetries which could be problematic. It is key to carry out gait analysis on a regular basis as this means a baseline can be established specifically for that horse. All future analysis can then be compared to this baseline, meaning any abnormal results can be spotted much quicker and responded to accordingly. Once small abnormalities are noticed, a lameness exam can be carried out and a new training regime created so that a small injury has less risk of becoming something more severe. Equine gait analysis has come a long way in recent years and continues to be developed and become more accurate. Being able to measure movement patterns in such a detailed way has led to more accurate rehabilitation training programmes, more success in preventing injuries from becoming more severe, and helps to maintain equine welfare overall. Who can benefit from gait analysis? Equine Therapists Veterinary physiotherapists, chiropractors, masseurs, and osteopaths are just some of the equine therapists that benefit from gait analysis. As they treat muscoskeletal issues that affect a horse's performance, they now can see past what they can literally see with their own eyes. Whilst many issues can be identified without gait analysis, it helps uncover less obvious issues. They can see in slow motion the horse’s movement and make note of any potential abnormalities. This allows any problems to be addressed early on can be immediately addressed. Veterinarians Gait analysis is a great tool for vets to use in addition to their regular arsenal. Together with x-rays and other scans, gait analysis can help reduce the time it takes to spot problems and also reduce the cost which they can pass on to the horse’s owners. Farriers Farriers are directly involved in maintaining and enhancing the movements of horses. Having the ability to analyses a horse’s hoof movement slowly means a complete assessment of hoof balance can be carried out. Again, any issues can be identified and amended. Horse Trainers Early identification of potential problems can mean training plans can be adapted straight away and hopefully risk of injury or long-term problems can be reduced significantly. This is invaluable for trainers or all horses. Whether the horse is being trained for racing, jumping, polo or dressage, this is universally beneficial and could avoid costly injuries and recovery. Riding Instructors Video gait analysis is the perfect tool for riding instructors to share the importance of gait with their students. It can highlight to them how the influence of their position when they are rising can impact the horse over time. The video footage can show how the rider’s position can impact the horse and the visualisation can be an extremely useful and effective learning tool. Horse Selection Race horses are of course a large investment and buyers need to ensure they are purchasing a horse that is suitable for racing. Gait analysis can help spot any risk of injury that could impact the buying decision. Where does gait analysis take place? Due to the cost and availability of the equipment, it was only possible to undertake gait analysis in veterinary research institutions. This, of course, limited the number of people who had access to this equipment and therefore restricted the number of horses that could benefit from this analysis. Fortunately, recent technological advances mean that gait analysis is now possible to be done in the field, outside of research labs, opening up this important tool to the wider equine world. Advantages and practical uses of gait analysis
 Osteochondritis (OCD) is, unfortunately, a substantial problem in equine patients and can be a cause of lameness, especially in sport horses. Whilst the condition occurs worldwide, it is commonly seen in young horses who are rapidly growing. In this guide to Osteochondritis in horses, we will go into more depth about what the condition is and potential forms of treatments.
What is OCD? OCD is a common disease that affects domesticated horses, particularly young horses, and involves lesions in the cartilage or bone fragments in the horse’s joints. The condition arises when the lesion gets to the point that it separates itself from the underlying bone. OCD is an example of a JOCC (juvenile osteochondral condition) due to the fact that it affects younger horses and is a disease that affects joints or growth plates in horses that haven't fully developed. It then falls into a broader category of Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD). This term was coined in 1986 and encompasses all orthopedic disorders that are related to development, not just in joints. When bones grow, they solidify in a process called endochondral ossification. As the bones grow, they lengthen and epiphyseal cartilage builds up where the bones meet, forming joints. Over time, this cartilage starts to turn to bone with only a thin layer of cartilage remaining. Problems arise when this ossification process doesn’t go as planned. This is usually because epiphyseal cartilage needs blood flow to help the growth and when it does not get the blood flow it requires. Whilst OCD can occur in any joint, there are certain places that seem to be more susceptible to lesions from research studies. These include the hind fetlock, front fetlock, and hock. What causes OCD? Extensive research has been undertaken by veterinary professionals from around the world, and studies continue to take place to understand the connection between the severity or likeliness of OCD occurring in certain breeds, horses with particular genetics, or those horses that live in certain environments. Whilst there is no one cause, there are many suggested causes of DOD (including OCD) including an imbalance of nutrients. Either lacking in certain nutrients like copper or selenium or an excess of nutrients like zinc or manganese. OCD is often caused due to growth spurts which again can happen for many reasons. High protein diets can lead to high growth rates in foals or due to certain illnesses or hormonal imbalances. What treatments are available for OCD? In some rare cases, OCD has been shown to heal itself within a few months. However, this is not a guarantee and permanent problems can be caused by the condition. There are a couple of main treatments available for OCD. One is the medication route where polysulphated glycosaminoglycans or hyaluronic acid injects in the affected joint. This is then teamed up with box rest and a change in diet to ensure the horse is getting the correct levels of nutrients. The second main treatment option is the surgery route which involves having the cartilage and bone fragments removed from the joint and flushing out the chemicals that are causing the inflammation in the joint. The best form of treatment depends on the horse and the severity of the condition. It also depends on the requirements of the horse. E.g are they a racehorse? What happens if OCD is left untreated? Whilst we have mentioned that in some milder cases, the condition can heal itself, this is not often the case with more complex or severe cases. Chemicals that cause inflammation in the joint can result in permanent damage over time. Whilst surgery may not need to be an option in a lot of cases, if the condition is severe, surgery may be the only viable route. Many things impact the treatment and prognosis of OCD including the size of the lesions, the number of lesions, and location. This is why it is important that if any symptoms of joint problems are recognised, the horse is taken to an equine veterinarian to explore further and decide which course of treatment is best. OCD can manifest itself differently in each joint. As horses are individuals, they can all experience the disease to varying degrees. The severity, progression, and overall outcome of OCD depends on the individual equine patient. This is why a scoring system was created to measure the severity of OCD. Lesions can be given a score index of 0,1,2,4 or 8 to help determine the severity. It also helps show how the lesion has changed over time which can help with more accurate treatment recommendations and prognosis. Can OCD be prevented? There are some things horse owners can put in place to reduce the risk of OCD occurring. Ensuring their horse is receiving a balanced diet to suit them is a great place to start. It is also important to ensure the horse gets the correct amount of exercise and that the growth rate of the horse is monitored closely. Rapid growth spurts need to be avoided as this can increase the probability of OCD. OCD is just one of many conditions young horses can, unfortunately, suffer from. However, by being aware of the issue, knowing what the symptoms are, understanding what can be put in place to reduce the risk of OCD, plus the treatment options if the condition arises, horse owners can be prepared.  Veterinary Physiotherapists are able to assess and subsequently treat animals that have musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. NAVP (National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists) was formed back in 1985 to promote the professional practice of veterinary physiotherapy. Working alongside pet owners but also vets. We aim to ensure the highest standards of veterinary physiotherapy care and will be delivered by linking a strong foundation of scientific knowledge with clinical practice and continued research. Here, we discuss the benefits to vets of working as a NAVP member.
Qualification All NAVP members either hold a BSc or PgD/ MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree. This can reassure vets that all NAVP members are highly qualified and specialised in this field of study. Skills and Knowledge Veterinary Physiotherapy degrees cover both equine and canine species. In some cases, they will also work on bovine, allowing them to work on farm animals. With theory and practical exams that are robust, a final exam has to be passed before any qualification is given. All exams and assignments also have to be passed before a degree is awarded, which is no mean feat. Scientific knowledge Scientific knowledge and evidence-based knowledge are combined by NAVP in order to come to an accurate diagnosis and create a bespoke treatment plan. Professionalism All NAVP members are part of a professional association and as such have a specific code of conduct, the scope of practice, CPD and complaints procedure. Teamwork NAVP members work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with the vet as the primary healthcare professional Enthusiasm A lot of NAVP members are self-employed and as a result, have a strong drive and enthusiasm in how they approach business. This is a great quality when working closely with veterinary surgeons. They must be flexible and practical, adapting to new situations and scenarios. Patience Patience is also a key quality in veterinary physiotherapists that vets can benefit from. NAVP members are required to be observant, persistent, and analytical in their work. They have a genuine interest in the animals they work with and have the animals' welfare at the forefront of their work. Flexibility NAVP members are typically flexible due to the nature of their work. Some will offer weekend appointments or are on call for emergency cases. Benefits when using a NAVP member
There are many benefits for veterinary surgeons to working with a NAVP. The combined knowledge can help create an accurate diagnosis and perfect treatment plan to help improve the chances of the animal's recovery. If you are a veterinary surgeon that wants to work with a qualified veterinary physiotherapist, in particular a NAVP member, then please get in touch and discover a NAVP member local to you. |
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